Scam targeted at babysitters

Wisconsin consumer protection specialists are warning about a scam targeted at nannies or babysitters.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says one person applying for a babysitting job recently recognized her potential employer as a scammer. The scheme works like this.

The client posts an ad online for a babysitter or nanny. The pay is $400 a week. When you respond, the potential employer makes arrangements and sends you an initial check for $1,800 and asks you to cash it and wire back the remaining money.

But, the check isn't good and once your bank figures that out, you'll be on the hook for the total amount -- even the cash you wired the scammer. Consumer protection specialists say once the money has been wired, it's gone for good.

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